I have one of those too,same problem. Not a bad wee unit otherwise but the iron does suck ar5e! I have genuine Hakko tips for mine and it solders great,holds heat even when doing bigger stuff. The proper tips have made a difference but maybe that's whats helped in the downfall of my junk iron handle. It heats the plastic bit up after I've been using it a while and I keep needing to stop and tighten the handle to the iron again. I'm on the lookout for a decent iron too. You have to watch how the plug that connects to the unit is wired up. Maybe someone more knowledgable than me can elaborate it a bit more.

I have one of those too,same problem. Not a bad wee unit otherwise but the iron does suck ar5e! I have genuine Hakko tips for mine and it solders great,holds heat even when doing bigger stuff. The proper tips have made a difference but maybe that's whats helped in the downfall of my junk iron handle. It heats the plastic bit up after I've been using it a while and I keep needing to stop and tighten the handle to the iron again. I'm on the lookout for a decent iron too. You have to watch how the plug that connects to the unit is wired up. Maybe someone more knowledgable than me can elaborate it a bit more.

I'll let you know if I find anything suitable.

Thats exactly what happens. After having it on for a bit I have to stop and tighten it. Really annoying. But I haven't considered proper tips.. Im just using the ones that came with it. I'll have to pick up some hakkos. Thanks for info tho, glad to know it isn't just me.

I got 4 new irons for the 852d off Ebay for $6 each but beware, I have another solder station which uses the same iron body with the same connector but they are wired differently. Plug them into the 852 and the transformer output windings are short circuited

I got 4 new irons for the 852d off Ebay for $6 each but beware, I have another solder station which uses the same iron body with the same connector but they are wired differently. Plug them into the 852 and the transformer output windings are short circuited

Yup,can't remember where I came across the info but that's exactly what I'm talking about. I have looked for better irons to use with the unit but not found anything yet. Even if I find a better iron with the same plug it's well worth making double sure it can be plugged into the unit.I do like the unit but may end up buying something else completely.I suppose it proves you get what you pay for There are some nice 2nd hand units on eBay for not too much. I may get one and keep this unit as a back up or whatever.